BRAINTREE country music stars Essex County are playing a homecoming concert to help boost an animal sanctuary.

Brothers Nate, Mark and Kieran Bass are usually based in Nashville - the home of country music - after taking the US by storm.

They popped home to see family at Christmas and have been stranded by the pandemic for the last nine months.

The band should have been touring the States this summer alongside country superstar Brad Paisley.

Instead they have been writing via zoom with UK and US songwriters, playing a few local gigs and keeping fans up to date on social media.

With a return to the US in their sights for later next month, the former Notley High School students hope to sign off with a final concert at Witham Public Hall on October 8.

They are also raising funds for Danaher Animal Home at Wethersfield.

Nate said: “We’re all massive animal fans and we’re really missing our cat Biscuit who’s back home in the States.

“When we visited Danaher, we all fell in love with some of the gorgeous kittens and, having seen the brilliant work they do, we were very happy to support such a good cause.”

The lads have lived in Nashville for the last six years, and have had hits including Love At First, which has been streamed more than half a million times, 11:11 and So Good.

It’s been such a tough year for us on the fundraising front that we are extremely grateful for all their support and want to say a big thank you to them and everyone who buys a ticket

They have also played at the world-renowned "mother church" of country music – the Ryman Auditorium.

They first hit the headlines when they appeared on The X-Factor in 2013.

Then called Next of Kin, they moved judge Nicole Scherzinger to tears with their song Can’t Find Me, which was co-written with mum Diane.

The experience spurred them on to seek success in America.

Still writing songs with her sons, Diane joined them for the visit to Danaher.

The charity has lost over £190,000 over the last 18 months due to the cancellation of fundraising events and the closure of its six shops at the height of the pandemic.

Danaher CEO Deborah Satchell said: “It was fabulous to show Nate, Mark and Kieran around and great that they had the chance to meet some of our animals and say hallo to staff and volunteers.

“It’s been such a tough year for us on the fundraising front that we are extremely grateful for all their support and want to say a big thank you to them and everyone who buys a ticket.”

Essex County are at the Public Hall on October 8 at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £15 on 0345 017 8717 or from the visitor information centre at Witham Town Hall.